Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand met in Beijing on Friday, reaffirming both nations’ willingness to rebuild trust, enhance cooperation, and strengthen dialogue across multiple sectors. The meeting comes as China and Canada mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 20th anniversary of their strategic partnership.
Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC), described Anand’s visit as a “new starting point” for bilateral ties. He emphasised China’s readiness to improve communication, eliminate misunderstandings, and foster mutual trust.
Wang said both sides should use this milestone year to restart dialogue, promote trade and investment, and expand people-to-people exchanges. He added that cooperation in multilateral forums could help safeguard global economic stability and advance free trade.
Canada Reaffirms Commitment to One-China Policy
Foreign Minister Anita Anand noted that Prime Minister Mark Carney attaches great importance to recalibrating relations with China. She reaffirmed that Canada adheres to the One-China policy and seeks to deepen mutual trust through sustained diplomatic and economic engagement.
Anand expressed Canada’s interest in expanding cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, tourism, and culture, while welcoming Chinese investment. She stressed that Ottawa remains committed to multilateralism and UN cooperation to defend global free trade and peace.
Experts See Signs of Diplomatic Thaw
Analysts view Anand’s visit, her first to China since taking office, as a significant step toward stabilising Beijing-Ottawa ties after years of strain. Experts said recent high-level meetings, including those between the two prime ministers at the UNGA and the previous foreign ministers’ dialogue in Malaysia, indicate renewed momentum.
According to Chinese scholars, the stability of future relations depends on Canada’s ability to pursue an independent China policy and reduce its overreliance on the United States. They noted that Canada’s long-term credibility will depend on adopting a strategic, consistent approach rather than reacting to external pressures.
Trade and Cultural Links Remain Strong
Despite past diplomatic challenges, economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries remain vibrant. In 2024, China was Canada’s second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $118.7 billion. Canadian exports to China stood at $29.9 billion, while imports totalled $88.8 billion.
More than 1.7 million Canadians are of Chinese origin, and tourism and cultural exchanges continue to strengthen people-to-people connections between the two nations.
Related stories:
